Mt. Hood Cycling Classic returns to Portland in 2010

The Mt. Hood Cycling Classic, a major, multi-stage road race that draws top professional athletes from all over the country, is set to return to Portland in 2010.

The six-stage race will begin with a prologue on June 1st at Portland International Raceway in north Portland. The following day, the race moves to Mt. Tabor Park in Southeast Portland for a “lung and leg busting” circuit race.

After Portland, the race travels into Washington and then out to the Columbia River Gorge and then ends with two stages in and around Hood River.

Race director Chad Sperry also announced that Portland-based Indie Hops is the event’s new title sponsor. The company, who grows and supplies the craft beer industry with Oregon-grown hops, is owned by Roger Worthington, a bike racing fan who competed (and won the Masters Division) in the event in 2009.

In a press release, Worthington said, “It’s a perfect fit. We think a well-hopped beer should be a vital part of every athlete’s training table.”

Sperry says that thanks to Indie Hops, he plans to “build a rock concert atmosphere” at the Mt. Tabor and downtown Hood River stages. “Picture high speed action on the course with vigorous debate by beer lovers on the sidelines over which IPA, Stout or Red has the best flavor and aroma.”